All films submitted must be High Definition, landscape format, 16:9 perspective, and rendered as a WMV, MP4, FLV or AVI.  The films must be 4 to 7 minutes long, and may have an additional 2 minutes of opening and ending credits.  The film may NOT:

(1) Include any brands or logos except for authorized Competition Sponsors;

(2) Be political, racist, sexist or advocate any criminal / immoral activity, be libelous / defamatory, or infringe third-party’s rights;

(3) Be disparaging of the PRC, or be of low taste or include any footage or wording that would not be approved by the China State Film Administration;

(4) Use footage, photos or content not produced by the AIHSFC Team members for this competition;

(5) Cause injury to people, animals or public property; or

(6) otherwise be inappropriate for audiences. 

The film MAY:

(1) be filmed outside of Shanghai;

(2) use animation and visual effects including AI or other computer programs; (3) use public domain or royalty-free music, and

(4) include subtitles. 

The film may be in any language, including created languages, but English subtitles must be included if English is not spoken.   Subtitles should be in a format and size that can be seen by the audience. Films that do not follow these guidelines may be revised to qualify up until the final submission date. After the competition the film may be used by the Team members as submitted, or modified from the original, but must mention in the end credits: “The concept for this film was developed for the AI Hybrid Short Film Competition.”

All participants must agree:

(1) To release and hold harmless the AIHSFC from all damages, liability and criminal responsibility arising from my actions;

(2) To comply with all laws and regulations including the need for filming permits to film if needed;

(3) To not to infringe on any intellectual property rights and if needed secure copyrighted materials authorizations;

(4) The AIHSFC reserves the right to edit and screen or post films submitted at any time all;

(5) To follow any reasonable instructions or directions from the AIHSFC.

The 2025 Hybrid AI Short Film Week is committed to fostering innovation and collaboration in AI-powered filmmaking. To encourage participation while ensuring high-quality submissions, we have structured our entry fees as follows:

• Early Bird Submission – $10 (Deadline: April 5)
• Standard Submission – $20 (After April 5)

Both submission types include one entry to the closing event and one complimentary drink, but only for participants who submit a film that meets the festival’s requirements.

Why These Costs?

1. Encouraging Early Submissions – The early bird fee incentivizes filmmakers to submit their work ahead of time, allowing for better curation, scheduling, and promotion.
2. Ensuring Quality and Commitment – Requiring a valid film submission ensures that only serious participants benefit from the closing event access, maintaining the festival’s integrity.
3. Covering Operational Costs – Submission fees help support jury reviews, event logistics, venue expenses, and festival promotions, making it possible to showcase and celebrate innovative AI-driven storytelling.
4. Enhancing the Festival Experience – The inclusion of closing event access and a drink creates a more engaging and rewarding experience for filmmakers, fostering networking and industry connections.

By keeping the fees affordable and tying admission benefits to film submission, the festival ensures accessibility while maintaining a high standard of content.